Alaska’s growing number of statewide wildfires have persisted this summer. It’s important to know that smoke can cause children to become sick in several
ways. thread encourages all parents and early childhood educators to take precautions when dealing with poor air quality.
Smoky Conditions
Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from wildfire smoke than adults. Children’s airways are still developing and they breathe more
air per pound of body weight than adults. Also, children often spend more time outdoors engaged in activity and play.
Here are some steps to take to decrease children’s risk of illness from wildfire smoke,
along with some additional resources that will help you make decisions regarding taking children outside:
- Air quality index
- Wildfire smoke information
- Wildfire and indoor air quality (EPA)
- Health risks of wildfires for children (AAP)
- How to limit outdoor activities at school (EPA)
- Protecting children from wildfire smoke (EPA)
Thank you for all you do to keep the children in our communities safe.